ABSTRACT

The present thesis analyses the theme of betrayal and redemption in The Kite Runner under the guidance of the bildungsroman theory and Carl Gustav Jung’s archetypal theory. Based on the protagonist’s growth process, this paper links the novel with its historical background and the special national structure of Afghanistan, expanding the protagonist’s personal events to the thinking of human nature. The final conclusion is that if a person or even a nation really wants to grow, he/she or it must have the moral sense, introspection of humanity and spiritual transcendence. In order to obtain salvation of the soul and be truly free, one should be honest and brave enough to face his/her sins, overcome secular prejudices and shackles. 

Key words：The Kite Runner; Bildungsroman; archetypal theory; betrayal; redemption 

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

摘要

Chapter One INTRODUCTION-1

1.1 Khaled Hosseini and The Kite Runner-1

1.2 Significance of the study-2

Chapter Two LITERATURE REVIEW-3

Chapter Three BILDUNSROMAN AND JUNG’S ARCHETYPAL THEORY-5

3.1 Bildungsroman-5

   3.1.1 The concept of bildungsroman-5

   3.1.2 Features of bildungsroman-7

3.2 Carl Gustav Jung’s Archetypal Theory-8

Chapter Four THE KITE RUNNER AS BILDUNGSROMAN-11

4.1 Amir’s Degradation in Childhood-12

4.2 Amir’s Growth from Adolescence to Adulthood-13

Chapter Five AMIR’S GROWTH UNDER JUNG’S ARCHETYPAL THEORY-

5.1 Amir’s Betrayal-15

5.2 Amir’s Redemption-16

Chapter Six CONCLUSION-18

WORKS CITED-19